“A couple of thousand children’s books will also be sold”, Friends of Pointe Claire Library president Timothy Fain told The Suburban, “in addition to around 1,500 videocassettes.”

“The library continually has to refresh its collection and, since there is no storage area available, we have to conduct these ongoing book sales in order to free up space,” he said.

The volunteer, non-profit organization, Fain explained, “was founded to advocate for the library and serves as a conduit for ongoing book sales.”

Proceeds are ploughed back into the library. The Friends’ most recent contribution was to pay for part of the construction of a teen section, which was opened during an official afternoon ceremony, Feb. 14, in the presence of Mayor Bill McMurchie and city councilors.

“We are able to help the library to provide services that are not included in the budget,” Fain continued.

“In addition to the teen centre, we have contributed the seating in the reading section, and financed a pilot project to introduce Wii educational games for children that promote eye-hand coordination and puzzle-solving skills.”

“We also supply Christmas baskets of books each year to needy children,” he added. “The books are provided in both official languages and provide food for these growing minds.”